10+ Kid Friendly Dinner Recipes for Happy Family Meals

Finding meals that your kids will enjoy can be a challenge. Kid-friendly dinner recipes can make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for the whole family. With a variety of options available, you can create dishes that satisfy picky eaters while keeping nutrition in mind.

From simple casseroles to creative tacos, there are many delicious ideas to explore. These recipes aim to use familiar ingredients and flavors that children love, making it simpler for you to plan and prepare dinner.

1) Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a great option for a kid-friendly dinner. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Your kids will love the creamy cheese and tender chicken.

You can use cooked chicken, broccoli, and a mix of cheeses to make it extra cheesy. Adding rice makes it filling and satisfying.

It’s a simple meal that comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it warm for a cozy dinner that the whole family can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, broccoli, rice, cheese, cream of chicken soup, and broth.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

2) Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Creamy chicken taquitos are a fun and tasty meal for kids. They have a crispy outside and a creamy, cheesy inside that everyone will love. You can make them quickly and even prepare some for the freezer.

To start, you’ll need shredded chicken, cheese, and tortillas. Use corn or flour tortillas based on your family’s preference. These taquitos are simple to roll up and bake until golden brown.

They are great for lunch or dinner and can be served with salsa or sour cream for dipping. Your kids will enjoy helping you make these delicious bites.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and salsa.
3. Spoon mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up.
4. Place taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet.
5. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your favorite dips.

3) Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Making homemade chicken nuggets is easy and fun for kids. You can use fresh chicken breast or thighs and add some tasty seasonings. These nuggets are healthier than store-bought versions.

Start by cutting the chicken into small pieces. Mix breadcrumbs with your favorite spices to create a crunchy coating. You can even add some finely chopped veggies for extra nutrition.

Bake the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: finely chopped veggies (like spinach or carrots)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and spices.
4. Coat each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

4) Shredded Chicken Tacos

Shredded chicken tacos are a simple and tasty option for dinner. They are perfect for kids and easy to prepare. You can use shredded chicken from a store or make your own at home.

To make these tacos, cook the chicken until it’s tender. You can use a slow cooker, stovetop, or even a pressure cooker. Season the chicken with your favorite spices for extra flavor.

Serve the chicken in soft tortillas. Top with cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Your kids will love building their own tacos.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Tortillas
• Toppings (cheese, lettuce, salsa, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
5. Shred the chicken and assemble tacos with your favorite toppings.

5) Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki salmon is a delicious meal that kids usually love. The sweet and savory sauce goes well with tender fish, making it perfect for family dinners. You can serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

To make this dish, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce, which saves time. Just bake the salmon in the oven and let it absorb the flavors of the sauce. It cooks quickly, making it an easy option on busy nights.

Your kids can even help by mixing the sauce or measuring the ingredients. This way, they feel involved and excited about dinner!

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil on the salmon and season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour teriyaki sauce over the salmon.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve with rice or vegetables.

6) Saucy Chicken Tenders Parmesan

Saucy Chicken Tenders Parmesan is a quick and delicious meal for kids. Tender chicken gets coated with a cheesy sauce, making it very tasty. You can serve it with pasta or a side salad for a complete dinner.

This dish is easy to prepare. You start by baking chicken tenders until they’re golden. Then, you add a layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle on Parmesan cheese. Baking it for a few more minutes melts the cheese perfectly.

Your kids will love this cheery meal. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weekday dinner!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil.
3. Place the chicken tenders in the dish and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
5. Remove the tenders and top with marinara sauce and cheeses.
6. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.

7) Zucchini Tots

Zucchini tots are a fun, kid-friendly dish that your children will love. They are made with shredded zucchini and cheese, making them tasty and nutritious. These tots are perfect as a side dish or a snack.

To prepare, you’ll need just a few ingredients. You can easily bake them in the oven for a crispy texture. Kids enjoy helping to shape the tots, making it a fun family activity.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works well)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini.
3. In a bowl, mix zucchini, cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Shape the mixture into small tots.
5. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Enjoy!

8) Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic kid-friendly dinner that many children love. It’s creamy, cheesy, and can be made quickly. You can try different flavors and add-ins to make it even more fun.

Simple recipes include baked versions or stovetop preparations. You might want to experiment with hidden veggies, like sweet potatoes or broccoli, to sneak in some nutrition.

The great thing about mac and cheese is that it can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, kids can even help in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
5. Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in the cheese until melted.
6. Mix in the cooked macaroni and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm.

9) Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake

This Cheesy White Bean-Tomato Bake is a fun dinner that kids will love. It’s colorful, tasty, and easy to make. You can serve it as a main dish or a side.

Start by mixing white beans, cherry tomatoes, and your choice of greens like kale. Add cheese for that creamy, delicious flavor. It comes together in just one pot!

It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and healthy. Plus, your kids can help with mixing and topping the bake.

10) Sheet-Pan Bibimbap

Sheet-Pan Bibimbap is a simple and fun dinner option. It’s colorful and packed with vegetables, making it a great meal for kids. Plus, you can customize it with their favorite ingredients.

You will need a large sheet pan. First, arrange mushrooms, sweet potato, and kale into separate sections. Then, drizzle some sesame oil over the ingredients. You can also include beef or tofu for protein.

This dish cooks quickly. Bake it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes. Serve it with rice and a fried egg on top for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Mushrooms
• Sweet potato
• Kale
• Sesame oil
• Beef or tofu
• Rice
• Eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange the vegetables on a sheet pan.
3. Drizzle the vegetables with sesame oil.
4. Add your choice of protein.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes.
6. Serve with rice and a fried egg.